Health & Social Care Overview

Our Vision

To make Aylesford Health and Social Care students, lifelong learners who are aware of the H&SC sectors and who want to be a part of that in the wider community.

Health and Social Care Curriculum

Studying Health and Social Care will build confidence and encourage students to achieve their potential academically, in life and in the working world. This subject prepares students with the independent study skills required for further and higher education. Studying in a vocational context will broaden horizons and open career opportunities in one of the largest employment sectors in the U.K. Applying the health and social care values will enable the development of skills to contribute effectively to future relationships and within the community. This course provides a great starting point for academic and vocational study as well as preparing students for future employment. Our intent is to provide a dynamic, knowledge rich key stage 4 and 5 option whilst at the same time developing transferable employability skills to prepare students for any chosen route. The study of care values at the heart of health and social care services supports our students in the development of skills so that they can succeed as educated citizens and contribute to society in a positive way. These include empowerment, independence, respect, tolerance, preserving dignity, communicating effectively, safeguarding effectively and promoting anti-discrimination. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin study of the health and social care sector, this qualification gives learners experience of the breadth and depth that will prepare them for further study in the sector.

Health and Social Care in The Real World

Health and social care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK with demand for both health and social care employees continuously rising. In 2019/20, the adult social care sector contributed approximately £41.2 billion a year to the UK economy. Social care employees, such as care assistants and social workers work with individuals to support them to be as independent as possible in their own homes, in care homes or nursing homes. Healthcare employees, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and physiotherapists, work with individuals to enhance their quality of life by improving their health. Approximately 3 million people are currently employed in the sector. In 2019, it was estimated that by 2035 approximately 2.17 million health and social care job vacancies will need to be filled. It is our duty at Aylesford school to ensure that our young people are fully equipped to join these growing sectors that we cannot be without.